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President’s Welcome
Greetings to all Railway Association of Southern California members, friends and guests!
Fifteen years ago, a visionary group of railway professionals formed the “Railway Club of Southern California” in Los Angeles to promote the exchange of ideas within the railway industry. Today, the name has changed and the Association has expanded to Orange County, but we continue the tradition of welcoming speakers monthly to discuss the most important issues concerning Southern California railroads. As the 2012 President, I hope to continue to grow the Association and attract the best speakers possible to share with and educate our members and guests.
The amazing advancements in Southern California’s railroads should continue in 2012 as they have over the past 25 years. In 1990, the only passenger rail service in the Los Angeles area was long-distance Amtrak trains. Today, it is home to expanded Amtrak California service, the 500-mile Metrolink commuter rail system, and the 80-mile Metro Rail system. Local sales taxes are currently funding passenger rail expansions in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and several lines are currently about to open, under construction, or under design. Additionally, we look with great anticipation towards implementation of Metrolink’s groundbreaking program to incorporate Positive Train Control on the region’s commuter rail network.
The Southern California freight rail system has undergone the same level of transformation in the past twenty years as its passenger rail system. The completed Alameda Corridor has sped trains to and from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and currently the Alameda Corridor East, Colton Crossing, and various grade separation, track improvement and safety enhancement projects are under construction to increase the efficiency and safety of the region’s freight rail system.
Throughout 2012, the Railway Association will focus on the most important projects for the region’s freight rail, intercity rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, light rail, and high-speed rail systems. We welcome you to join us at this year’s meetings to learn about and be a part of the future of Southern California’s rail network, and to connect with other dedicated railroad professionals.
I look forward to seeing all of our current members and meeting new members and guests at this year’s Railway Association meetings.
Thank You
Tyler Bonstead
2012 President
Railway Association of Southern California